Ishant Sharma claims three wickets

John Rogers, a little-known 20-year-old batsman, struck a fine 98 and held the attention as the hosts finished the penultimate day at 292 for eight.

Written by Press Trust of India

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CANBERRA:

Paceman Ishant Sharma scalped three wickets to brighten his prospects for a berth in the team for the third Test but it was an unexpected name that stole the limelight on the second day of the three-day tie between the tourists and ACT Eleven at the Manuka Oval on Friday.

John Rogers, a little-known 20-year-old batsman, struck a fine 98 and held the attention as the hosts finished the penultimate day at 292 for eight.

John's better known namesake, Chris Rogers, appeared to have done enough to take the opener's spot for Australia in the Perth Test if Matthew Hayden was to pull out because of a thigh injury.

Chris Rogers did not quite score as big as John but his 60 off 92 balls with five fours was a fine hand.

The day began with the tall, gangling Ishant Sharma making early inroads into the hosts' batting, accounting for three quick successes to have them reeling at 83 for three.